PRP and PRF both concentrate healing factors from a small sample of your own blood for injection into thinning scalp. The difference is preparation. PRP adds an anticoagulant and uses a faster spin, producing plasma rich in platelets that release growth factors mostly at once. PRF uses no anticoagulant and a slower spin, forming a fibrin matrix that holds platelets and white cells and releases growth factors more gradually. Sarah Walner, PA-C offers both.
| PRP | PRF | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Anticoagulant; faster spin | No anticoagulant; slower spin |
| Contains | Concentrated platelets in plasma | Platelets, white cells and fibrin |
| Growth factor release | Mostly at once | Gradual, over days |
| Session | Under an hour | Under an hour |
| Downtime | Minimal; brief tenderness | Minimal; brief tenderness |
| Research base for hair | Larger, mixed but trending positive | Newer, smaller |
Results vary by patient, by the cause and stage of hair loss, and by how consistently the treatment plan is followed.
Which Sarah recommends, and why
For most first-time patients with pattern thinning, PRP is the starting point because it has the larger body of research and well-established session protocols. PRF is considered for patients who want a slower, more sustained release, who have responded only partly to PRP, or whose history suggests it may suit them. The choice is made at the consultation and can change during treatment.
What the evidence says
PRP is not FDA-approved specifically for pattern hair loss, and the research is mixed but trending positive: a 2023 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology describes it as promising despite varied study results and non-standardized preparation, and the American Academy of Dermatology notes studies show it can be a safe and effective option (AAD on hair loss treatment; JAAD review00768-5/fulltext)). Published research on PRF for hair is newer and smaller; the practice says so plainly.
Combining with other treatments
PRP and PRF are often combined with topical or oral treatments recommended by a dermatologist, and sometimes with microneedling. Some patients use them to support a surgical transplant performed elsewhere. See non-surgical hair restoration in NYC for the full treatment overview and PRP vs hair transplant for the surgical comparison.
Questions about PRP and PRF
Is PRF better than PRP for hair?
Neither is better for everyone. PRF releases growth factors more gradually and contains white cells and a fibrin matrix; PRP has the larger body of published research for hair. Sarah recommends one based on your hair loss, history and response.
Do PRP and PRF hurt?
The scalp is numbed first; most patients feel pressure and brief stinging. Some tenderness for a day is common.
Can I switch from PRP to PRF?
Yes. Patients who respond partly to PRP sometimes switch, and some plans alternate.
Is either FDA-approved for hair loss?
Neither is FDA-approved specifically for pattern hair loss; both use your own blood. The evidence for PRP is promising though mixed, and PRF is newer with less published research.
Find out which suits you
At the free virtual consultation Sarah reviews your hair loss and recommends PRP or PRF, with a written plan and estimate.